An overdose is a medical emergency. If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately. In South Africa, call 112 from a mobile phone or 10177 for an ambulance.
Overdose deaths are often preventable when people recognise the signs and get help quickly. Do not wait to see whether someone “sleeps it off,” and do not let fear of consequences stop you from calling for urgent medical assistance.
Possible warning signs
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake the person
- Slow, irregular or stopped breathing
- Blue, grey or very pale lips and skin
- Gurgling, choking or snoring-like sounds
- Confusion, collapse, seizures, severe chest pain or extreme sleepiness
Different substances can cause different symptoms. If something feels seriously wrong, treat it as an emergency.
What to do, step by step
Call for emergency help
Give the operator your exact location, the person’s condition and any information you know about the substances used.
Check breathing and responsiveness
Try to wake the person by speaking loudly and gently rubbing the centre of their chest. If they are not breathing normally, follow the dispatcher’s instructions and begin CPR only if you know how.
Place them on their side
If they are breathing but unconscious, put them in the recovery position to reduce the risk of choking. Keep monitoring their breathing.
Use naloxone if available
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose. Use it as directed, but still call emergency services because its effects can wear off.
What not to do
- Do not leave the person alone.
- Do not put them in a bath or shower.
- Do not give food, drink, coffee or more substances.
- Do not try to make them vomit.
- Do not assume they will be fine because they have used before.
Stay with the person until help arrives. If it is safe to do so, collect any medication containers or information that could help the emergency team.
After the immediate emergency
An overdose can be a powerful warning that more support is needed. Compassion, medical care and addiction treatment can make the next step towards recovery possible.